Join the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the International Society of Olympic Historians for Games History Hour, a free virtual series that brings sports fans, Olympic and Paralympic lovers, and Museum supporters together to engage and educate audiences around the world on the rich history of the Olympic Games.
Each quarter, Games History Hour will present free complimentary live-streamed series featuring esteemed Olympic historians and experts as they examine pivotal moments, significant milestones, and the enduring legacy of the Games. Each session will provide an in-depth exploration of a major aspect of Games history, offering unique insights and expert perspectives that illuminate the past.
Designed for Games enthusiasts, educators, researchers, and history aficionados, this series provides an exceptional opportunity to engage with leading scholars in the field. Sessions will follow a structured format, incorporating pre-submitted questions from USOPM members into the discussion. Following the live broadcasts, recordings will be available for on-demand viewing on the USOPM website and YouTube channel.
Atlanta 1996 — The Centennial Games | May 12, 2026 | 9 a.m. MT
Thirty years ago, Atlanta, Georgia welcomed the world for the Centennial Olympic Games — a milestone celebration marking 100 years of the modern Olympic movement. The 1996 Games were historic on every level: a record 197 nations competed, women’s soccer made its Olympic debut, and legends like Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, and Kerri Strug etched their names into history forever.
Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the legacy, drama, and cultural significance of Atlanta 1996.
The session was moderated by Lindsay Huban, USOPM’s Chief Content & Integration Officer, and featured expert insights from:
Dina Gerson: 32 years spent at The Coca-Cola Company, working 12 Olympic Games, and ultimately serving as Olympic Marketing Director. Dina’s journey began in her own backyard — Atlanta 1996, home to Coca-Cola’s global headquarters. As the longest partner of the Games, the brand was one of the most visible forces behind that historic moment. Dina also currently serves on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum’s Board of Directors.
George Hirthler: Longtime Olympic historian, helped craft Atlanta’s winning 1996 Olympic bid and now brings its story to life through award‑nominated film and museum work.
Shannon Miller: Two-time Olympian, winner of seven Olympic medals, and leader behind the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games Magnificent Seven will share her experience as an athlete during those Centennial Olympic Games.
Shannon Miller, a two-time Olympian and winner of seven Olympic medals, stands among the most accomplished gymnasts the United States has ever produced. At the 1996 Atlanta Games, she emerged as a central force behind the legendary “Magnificent Seven,” guiding the team to the first Olympic gold medal in U.S. women’s gymnastics history. During the same Games, she went on to capture gold on balance beam, for the first time for an American, with a performance that became an instant classic. After overcoming ovarian cancer, Shannon became the Founder & CEO of Salto Health, which connects cancer survivors with the products & services often needed during their cancer journey. Shannon is a mother of two, a sought-after motivational speaker, author and sports analyst but she will forever be remembered for her focus, determination and as the leader of the Magnificent Seven!
George Hirthler is an International Society of Olympic Historians member, and his connections to the ’96 Centennial Games go back to 1988 and the earliest days of the city’s Olympic bid committee. He was hired by bid CEO Billy Payne to write the city’s five-volume bid books, which summarized Atlanta’s Olympic vision for the International Olympic Committee. On September 18, 1990, the IOC selected the Georgia capital over sentimental favorite Athens, Greece. In anticipation of the 30th anniversary of Atlanta’s Games, Hirthler’s 2025 feature documentary film “The Games in Black & White” presents the unlikely partnership between two world class leaders from Georgia, Andy Young and Billy Payne, one Black one White, and their successful quest to win the bid and organize Atlanta 1996. After airing and streaming on Georgia Public Broadcasting last year, “The Games in Black & White” was nominated for four Southeast Emmy Awards to be presented May 16. Hirthler is also collaborating with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum for the upcoming exhibition “Genius of Sport” opening later this month with details about Modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin’s life, legacy and travels in the U.S.
Exploring Winter Games History
This discussion does a deep dive into the remarkable history and evolution of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The session was moderated by Lindsay Huban, USOPM’s Chief Content & Integration Officer, and featured expert insights from:
Dr. Bob Barney – Founder of the International Centre for Olympic Studies at Western University, and a pioneering scholar in Olympic research.
Jason Sisney – Policy advisor and author of an in-depth analysis on the finances behind Northern California’s 1960 Olympic Winter Games, and is currently advising legislators on preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Collecting and Preserving Games History
This discussion highlighted the essential role collectors play in preserving Olympic & Paralympic artifacts, stories, and traditions, ensuring these legacies are protected and passed down to future generations.
The session was moderated by Lindsay Huban, USOPM’s Chief Content & Integration Officer, and featured expert insights from:
The Role of the IOC Presidency: Leadership, Legacy, and the Future
The discussion centers on the evolving role of IOC presidents throughout history, their influence on the direction of the Games, and what the future might hold under new leadership.
The session is moderated by Lindsay Huban, USOPM’s Chief Content & Integration Officer, and features expert insights from:
